
Itinerary & Communication
It's 8 in the morning. You're in a rush and you want to get the field ASAP. You sign out "Headed to Island Park" (or another vague, broad destination.) Or worse, you completely forgot to sign out at all. You jump in the truck, and you're off.
This is a mistake that happens all too often in our work. Whatever form your office sign out takes, providing an accurate destination and return time is critical for your safety.
The time it takes to locate a lost person in the woods depends heavily on the size of the search area and the terrain's complexity. As the search area increases, the time required to thoroughly search it grows exponentially, especially in dense forests or rugged landscapes.
In the above example, the "Island Park" region contains over 20,000 acres of Endowment lands. Imagine being incapacitated away from the truck, outside of cellular or radio coverage and having to wait hours...or days...for a rescue.
Make a commitment to yourself: Take the time EVERY TIME to provide an accurate destination, and an accurate return time. The life you save will be yours.

Wildlife on the Roads
Encountering animals on the road can be a sudden and dangerous situation, especially as we work daily in rural or wooded areas. Each year, there are an estimated 1 to 2 million crashes between motor vehicles and large animals such as deer, resulting in approximately 200 human fatalities and 26,000 injuries.
To minimize the risk of a collision, always:
- stay alert while driving, particularly during dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
- driving at safe speeds, especially in areas with wildlife crossing signs. These signs are placed in high-risk areas, indicating that animals frequently cross the road.
- If you’re driving at night, reduce your speed and keep your windshield clean to improve visibility.
- Use your high beams when appropriate to improve visibility and scan the road and shoulders for any movement.
- If you see an animal near or on the road, slow down and be prepared to stop.
- Many species, like deer, often travel in groups—if you see one, more may be nearby.
- Should you encounter a situation where hitting an animal is unavoidable, brake as much as possible without swerving and aim to make contact at an angle to minimize damage.
Staying calm, cautious, and prepared can make all the difference in avoiding or managing animal encounters on the road.
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Emergency Kits
In Idaho climates, weather conditions can change rapidly, and remote locations may delay rescue efforts. A well-prepared emergency kit ensures you can survive harsh conditions, perform minor vehicle fixes, and stay visible to rescuers.
Consider stocking these items in both your work vehicle and your personal vehicles:
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Snow Chains or Traction Devices To improve tire grip on icy or snow-covered roads, ensuring safer driving in slippery conditions.
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Jumper Cables or Battery Booster Pack Cold weather can drain car batteries faster; these help restart your vehicle if the battery dies.
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Shovel and Ice Scraper A compact shovel can dig you out if you get stuck in snow, while an ice scraper clears windshields for better visibility.
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Tire Repair Kit and Portable Air Compressor A tire repair kit can patch small punctures, and an air compressor helps refill tires in remote areas.
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Thermal Blanket and Extra Clothing Hypothermia is a real risk in alpine climates; these items help you stay warm if stranded.
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First Aid Kit Essential for treating injuries until professional help arrives, especially in remote areas.
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High-Calorie Snacks and Water To maintain energy and hydration during prolonged delays or emergencies.
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LED Flashlight and Spare Batteries For visibility in low-light conditions, particularly when working on your vehicle or signaling for help.
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Flares or Reflective Triangles To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers in foggy or snowy conditions, reducing the risk of secondary accidents.
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Windshield De-Icer and Spare Washer Fluid Prevent ice buildup and ensure a clear windshield for safe driving.
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Multi-Tool or Pocket Knife Useful for cutting, prying, or minor repairs in an emergency.
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Tow Strap or Rope For pulling your vehicle out of snowbanks or ditches with the help of another vehicle.
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Portable Phone Charger or Power Bank Keeps your phone charged for communication and navigation if you're stranded.
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Sand or Kitty Litter Provides traction under tires if you're stuck on ice or packed snow.
visit https://savingcentbycent.com/how-to-build-an-emergency-car-kit-on-a-budget/ for more ideas and resources.
As temperatures drop and road conditions worsen, ensuring your vehicle is ready for winter is essential to staying safe and avoiding unexpected breakdowns. Cold weather can take a toll on your car, affecting everything from battery life to tire performance. Preparing your vehicle for winter isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.
Key Winter Maintenance Actions:
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Check and Replace Your Battery Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency. Ensure it is fully charged and replace it if it’s older than three years.
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Inspect Tires and Adjust Pressure Verify that your tires have adequate tread depth for snowy or icy conditions, and check pressure frequently, as it drops in cold weather.
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Top Off or Replace Antifreeze Ensure your coolant/antifreeze levels are correct to prevent your engine from freezing in low temperatures.
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Check Windshield Wipers and Fluid Replace worn wipers and fill up with winter-grade washer fluid to prevent freezing and ensure visibility.
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Keep Your Gas Tank Half Full Prevent gas line freezing by maintaining at least half a tank of fuel at all times.
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Inspect Brakes Test your brakes for wear or any issues, as they’re crucial for safe stopping on icy roads.
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Clean and Test Lights Ensure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are clear of snow and functioning properly for maximum visibility.
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Pack a Winter Emergency Kit Include items like a thermal blanket, flashlight, ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, and traction aids to handle unexpected situations.
By completing these winter maintenance tasks for personal and IDL vehicles, you’ll be better equipped to handle the season’s challenges and ensure a safe return to office and home.
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